Chapter 3: Crow's Nest

Ember's trick seems to help a little bit -- even though the light has faded back to normal, even that amount of light is painful for those afflicted with blindness. It would seem that the problem is less that everything glows, and more that Verrian, Willitan and Ephwrath's eyes are overtaxed, and extremely sensitive to any stimulus. Having a shade is therefore helpful.

Even before Ember's bit of prestidigitation, it does seem as though the blindness is starting to get a little better. There's reason to believe it will be temporary.

No one’s entirely sure how long the blindness will last, so it is decided that the party will inform Krav and Renaya that they intend to rest with the villagers until everyone feels ready once again. The afflicted are welcomed back with sympathies, and they’re escorted to a dark room to rest their eyes. Renaya mentions that when the blast of light came from the crystal room, the temple chamber lit up like noon on a sunny day, but nothing else unusual happened with the portal as far as she could tell. Krav chose to remain behind and meditate at the portal.

It is a couple of hours later when Verrian, Willitan and Ephwrath feel back to normal, and everyone seems physically ready to continue on.

It is mid-afternoon by the time the blindness fades. Several tasks deemed important are left uncompleted, and by mutual decision the group decides to tackle these before returning to the mysterious portal.

A short trip into the hills outside of town is enough to find the pony Atticus. Thankfully, he seems utterly unaffected by the day's powerful storm. In fact, he seems completely nonplussed by the worry shown over his health and general well-being. He does seem pleased -- as pleased as a pony can be, at least -- by Willitan's presence, as the animal walks forward and gives the halfling a nudge with his head. It's enough to knock Wil a little off balance. Perhaps the pony is reminding him not to be gone so long next time...

By the time everyone returns to Viamard, it is dusk and the moon is beginning to rise. Now comes the more solemn matter of laying Squeaky to rest. Greybeard mentions a cemetary of sorts just on the edge of town. Some of the townsfolk, overhearing, seem less than enthused at the idea of one of the Crows sharing ground with their loved ones, but they do not raise any strenuous objections. Squeaky's unpleasant demise and his willingness to aid in recovering Renaya from the Crows seems enough to let them forgive, though not forget.

The spellcasters in the party are able to combine their efforts to dig a suitable grave for the unfortunate Crow, and the body -- wrapped in rough-spun fabric found in the mostly deserted town -- is lowered into the earth. The moon, now rising above the horizon, bears witness to the quiet ceremony by bathing the ground in her celestial light. It is as suitable a eulogy as anything spoken aloud.

The grave now filled in, the party returns to an evening meal and a good night's rest. With the Crows now gone, the townspeople are starting to move above ground again. Beds are made available to the party, and a simple meal provided, and the night passes uneventfully. There's a nagging feeling that these peaceful nights should likely be enjoyed while they last. There may not be many more ahead.

There's a different energy in and around the town and the tunnels this morning. With all of the immediately apparent threats departed or dealt with, there seems to be a new willingness to try and rebuild. As the party members filter back toward the entrance to the tunnels where the portal awaits further study, Greybeard waits. He speaks first with Ephwrath, when the dwarf arrives to continue the journey, though anyone arriving at a similar time will easily overhear the conversation.

"I should warn you and your companions. I have no idea what you will find beyond that portal, but should you return here and continue your travels to points beyond our town, the rumors are not good. We've heard strange stories over the last few months. Cities that used to be a couple of days' ride apart somehow take weeks to travel between. Landmarks -- even as big as mountains -- are not where they used to be. The farther you get from the Shining City, the worse it seems to be. At least, that's what the few travelers we've spoken with have said. Trust them, or not, as you will. But you -- all of you -- have done us a great service, and I would hate to let you leave unaware."